Kozo Tashima, the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, has announced his intention to run for the FIFA presidency in the upcoming election this March. The 68-year-old former Japan forward will become the first person from Japan to stand for the position.
Tashima is the second challenger to declare his candidacy against Gianni Infantino, following former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega. While Tashima has announced his bid, it remains unclear if Vega has the necessary backing from five of FIFA's 211 member associations to appear on the ballot in Rabat. The deadline for candidates to declare is 18 November.
Having served on the FIFA Council since 2015, Tashima stated that he brings an honest, sound, and upright attitude to the race. He noted that his bid is intended to help world football, and he has criticized FIFA and issues related to the US-linked World Cup. Tashima is understood to have acted with the blessing of UEFA.